Dehydrators

The Nesco Snackmaster Pro Food Dehydrator FD-75A is a popular choice among consumers that enjoy dehydrating. It has a number of new features which make it good for a wide variety of uses. Consumers like the versatility of the Snackmaster which allows them to make, dried fruit and vegetables, beef or venison jerky, herbs and spices, dried flowers and other craft items at a much more affordable cost.

The majority of consumers who have purchased the Nesco Snackmaster Pro agree that it produces delicious, evenly dried foods faster and more efficiently than other dehydrators.

Features of the Nesco FD-75A Snackmaster

Adjustable Thermostat

One thing I quickly learned about dehydrating is that temperature really does matter. The adjustable thermostat on the Nesco Snackmaster Dehydrator lets me set the correct temperature for each food to optimize drying. When I take the food out, it is dried evenly, all the way through. There have been times when I have made jerky with other dehydrators and taken the meat out thinking it was dry, only to find out that it was still moist in the middle.

Top-Mounted Fan

The powerful fan is what makes the difference in the speed of drying. Instead of having to dehydrate for days, the Snackmaster Pro dries in hours. I like this since I don’t have to leave it plugged in and running while I’m not at home. I just start a batch of jerky in the morning on my day off and it is ready to eat later that same day.

Expandable Unit

The unit comes with five trays but you can also expand it to as many as 12 trays by buying the Add-A-Trays made for the Snackmaster Pro. Each tray is 13-1/2” in diameter, so I can make a lot of dried food at one time. The additional trays come in sets of 2 in a choice of original trays, fruit roll sheets trays, that you can use to make all-natural fruit rolls, and clean-a-screen trays for small items.

The clean-a-screen trays are flexible plastic mesh inserts that I use whenever I am drying smaller pieces of foods or those that are sticky. It prevents tiny pieces like herbs or spices from falling through the spokes. It also keeps foods like pineapple and bananas from sticking to the trays.

Opaque Vita-Save Exterior

The opaque exterior provides an effective barrier between the food and light. This allows the food to retain more of its nutritional value throughout the dehydrating process. This feature is especially important to me since my reason for using the dehydrator is to make healthier snacks.

Converg-a-Flow Drying System

The drying system in the Snackmaster is so unique that Nesco created a patent. It works by forcing air through an exterior pressurized chamber. The air then crosses the trays before coming together at the core. This drying system results in even drying that shortens the drying time and results in all the food drying evenly.

Once I place the food inside the dehydrator, all I have to do is start it and let it run the appropriate amount of time. I never have to rotate the trays or mix anything. Because of the shorter dehydrating time and the ability to add more trays, I can separate my batches of different foods that don’t take the same amount of time to process and those that have different seasoning needs without spending an entire week rotating and mixing the batches .

Overall, this Nesco dehydrator gets high ratings from consumers. The single complaint that is repeated is that it lacks longevity. What consumers do like is the 600 watts of power and the affordable cost. While some consumers complain that it doesn’t last more than one or two years before failing, even with light use, these complaints are in the minority. The Nesco comes with a 1 year limited warranty. Read user reviews.

Price

The Nesco Snackmaster Pro FD-75A food dehydrator has the features of a much more expensive machine, but at a much better price point. You can usually get the best deal on Amazon. Check here for the lowest price.

The Magic Mill dehydrator is spacious, highly functional and works efficiently to preserve a wide variety of foods. More than six square feet of drying space allows for preservation of all types of healthy foods in large batches to save time while automated features make preserving foods virtually effortless.

The Magic Mill countertop food dehydrator incorporates a variety of features that make the appliance a good choice for gardeners, health enthusiasts, sportsmen, and families who want to preserve seasonal foods for year round use or to prepare healthier snacks without the additives found in commercial foods.

Features of the Magic Mill Dehydrator

DryingCapacity

The Magic Mill has six mesh drying trays that are 12” x 13” which equates to drying of up to six pounds of food at one time. This feature is an important one for anyone who is preserving produce from the garden, jerky to last for an entire sports season, or even dog treats for their pets. The large capacity means the dehydrator can handle large batches that save time and energy over doing multiple batches.

Optimal Airflow

The combination of a rear-mounted fan and back-to-front horizontal airflow technology results in even drying of food in every area on each try. This design also prevents overheating of food so that each type of food is dried efficiently without losing nutrients or flavor.

Digital Thermostat and Timer

Like many other users, the thermostat and timer are two of the most important features to me. The option to set the dehydrator at any temperature from 95°F to 158°F is what gives the dehydrator its versatility. Different types of foods have different optimum temperatures to thoroughly dehydrate and perfectly preserve the nutrition and flavor of each. For example, making yogurt requires you to run the unit at a low temperature for eight hours while herbs can be dried in as little as one to three hours. Beef jerky, on the other hand, takes between four and fifteen hours to dry to ensure all moisture is removed and there is no risk of bacteria growth.

Magic Mill Dehydrator Air Flow

Like the temperature control, the timer makes it easy to set the dehydrator for the optimal dehydrating time for the food I am drying and the automatic shutoff prevents foods from being over dried. I can go about my business and let the Magic Mill take care of dehydrating my food.

Preset Cooking Functions

The Magic Mill has eight preset cooking functions that let me select the optimum temperature for some of the most popular types of foods dried. All you have to do is touch a button and you remove the risk of setting the unit to the wrong temperature.

See-Through Cover

The ability to look in on the progress of the drying process is especially beneficial when you are dehydrating a variety of foods. Instead of interrupting the process by opening the unit and checking individual trays, all that is needed is to peek through the front cover. Since the unit provides even dehydration across all trays, the progress you see in the front is the same that you can expect throughout the appliance.

Accessories

The Magic Mill dehydrator comes with an instruction manual, six stainless steel racks, six fine mesh trays, and two silicone oven mitts.

Specifications

Pros

This unit is spacious enough to handle large batches while the unit is compact enough to fit easily onto most kitchen countertops. The white color makes the unit a good choice for any kitchen décor and the finish is easy to clean.

Cons

The only real complaint against the Magic Mill is that it is not expandable. However, the six generous drying trays provide adequate drying space for most home users.

Consumer Ratings

Most consumers find the dehydrator user friendly with an easy-to-read and intuitive digital display that lets you read the temperature and timer settings so you can count down the progress or just wait for the timer to sound.

The majority of buyers find the dehydrator to be quieter than most other home models while producing results they might expect from commercial quality machines. You can read user reviews here.

Price

At most places where the Magic Mill dehydrator is offered, the unit is priced in the middle of the pack. You will usually find the best deals at Amazon. Check here for the lowest price.

Some of the perks of the TSM Harvest dehydrator include a large drying capacity, lightweight and flexible construction, and convenient square design. The unit is designed to fit easily into any kitchen as an appliance that users will go to time after time. The square shape of the TSM doesn’t take up as much room as round dehydrators while also providing more efficient drying of a wider range of foods.

Buyers of the TSM Harvest food dehydrator like the value. The unit is reasonably priced for the capacity and efficiency it delivers.

Features of the TSM Harvest Dehydrator

Adjustable Thermostat

The TSM dehydrator has an adjustable thermostat so you can set it to dry foods at temperatures of 95° to 155°F. This option makes it possible for you to select the best temperature to dehydrate a wide variety of foods without sacrificing quality. Just set the appropriate temperature for croutons, dried apples, fruit rolls, dried flowers, jerky and a whole lot more.

Removable Trays

The Harvest is designed with 10 removable, flexible trays that make it easy to load evenly. This feature also makes cleanup easier. When I make jerky, I usually run a full load and it can be pretty messy because of the marinade. When I finish, I take out the trays, pop them in the bottom of the dishwasher, and dry without heat. Then the trays are ready to load again.

Back to Front Dehydration

The back to front air movement makes the dehydration process more efficient and it operates without a lot of noise from the fan. Air reaches the food on every tray so that the food is evenly dried.

Compact Design

The TSM Harvest dehydrator is made to provide plenty of drying space while taking up less room in your kitchen. There are 10 trays, creating 10 square feet of drying space. In spite of this large capacity, the dehydrator’s overall dimensions are a mere 13.5 x 13 x 18 inches for a comfortable fit on the kitchen counter.

Powerful Motor

The 110V/600W motor of the Harvest dehydrator exceeds that of average dehydrators for a more powerful drying experience. Foods are dried evenly throughout to make them more nutritious and safer, especially when dehydrating meat. Dehydrators that are less powerful operate less efficiently and can leave moisture in the middle of the food, resulting in bacterial growth. Failing to remove all the moisture defeats the purpose of dehydrating your own food to make it more nutritious.

Included Accessories

Specifications

Dimensions: 17.7 x 13.6 x 12.4 inches

Model: 32709

Warranty: ​1 Year

Pros

This lightweight dehydrator is easy to load, dehydrates lots of foods and craft items, and cleans up quickly without hand washing the trays. The back-to-front air flow system means that foods dehydrate evenly while the adjustable thermostat and powerful motor provide efficient drying throughout the unit.

The TSM Harvest dehydrator has more drying space than some popular brands while costing less. It is a good value and easy enough to use for newbies to operate and get perfect results from the very first use.

The TSM Harvest comes with a 1 year limited warranty.​

Cons

The Harvest is not expandable so drying space cannot be increased. Most buyers like the lightweight design while others feel that it is a little too flimsy for heavy duty work. Users who want to make fruit rolls are disappointed that the unit doesn’t come with fruit trays.

The same sheets that fit the Excalibur dehydrators can be used in the TSM dehydrator to dehydrate smaller items and make fruit rolls. The dehydrator has also proven to be long-lasting by many users who dry a large volume of food, in spite of its lightweight design.

Consumer Ratings

Many buyers have made the choice to buy the TSM Harvest dehydrator over other brands because of the value. The TSM model is comparable in size and features of other dehydrators that are priced much higher. The large majority of users find that the dehydrator is at least as good in quality as those they have owned before. Read customer reviews.

The design of the Nesco FD-1040 Digital Pro includes new features in the fan, power and capacity to correct some of the issues consumers have experienced with other types of food dehydrators. The increased power and capacity make it a must-have for anyone who dries food or crafts frequently, or on a large scale.

Most users of the Digital Pro like the fact that the features combine to make it possible to do in hours what would normally take days.

Features of the Nesco FD-1040

Digital Timer

The digital timer can be programmed for up to 48 hours, giving you a lot of flexibility in how you spend your time while you wait for the food to dehydrate. Just set it and leave it. When the timer goes off, the power also automatically shuts off. I like this feature because I can put food in the dehydrator before I go to work and it is finished drying by the time I get home. If something happens, like I get caught up in traffic, no problem.

Top Mounted Fan

One of the biggest complaints you hear about other dehydrators is the positioning of the fan. When the fan is located on the bottom of the unit, liquids from the dehydrating process drip onto the fan area. If fan is on the side of the unit, it doesn't always dry evenly across the trays. The Nesco FD-1040 Gardenmaster dehydrator has a top mounted fan that prevents this problem while still heating the food evenly.

The fan is also quiet and powerful, with a 2,400 RPM motor that is specially designed for use with the fan. I couldn’t be happier when drying beef jerky only takes four hours and not all day.

Dryer

The Nesco dehydrator has an impressive 1,000 watts of drying power so it dries food faster than other less powerful units and has the capacity to dry up to 20 trays of food at one time.

Air Flow System

The patented Converga-Flow air flow system works by forcing heated air down the chamber around the outer part of the unit, and then horizontally across every drying tray before it converges in the center. The result is faster drying so that more of the nutrients are preserved in the food. This system also prevents you from needing to rotate the trays, increasing the benefit of the digital timer.

Adjustable Thermostat

Nothing destroys the quality of the dehydration process more than using the wrong temperature for the food that is being dried. The adjustable thermostat of the Nesco Digital Pro prevents food from being dried on the outside while leaving moisture in the center. Setting the dehydrator to the appropriate temperature for each food results in better drying and food that is tastier, more nutritious and safer.

Included Accessories

The Gardenmaster comes with a no-spill fruit roll sheet for making fruit roll snacks and other foods, Clean-A-Screen flexible screen for drying smaller items like herbs, and a jerky spice packet and cure so you can make your own jerky. The positioning of the fan on top of the unit prevents spills that can impact the operation of the unit and makes it work more efficiently throughout many uses.

Pros of the Nesco FD-1040

The features of the dehydrator work together for more powerful, efficient drying that takes a lot less time. Shorter drying times mean doing in only hours what would normally take days.

The unit has a large capacity of up to 20 square feet so you can do more in a single batch. Combined with the faster drying time, even the most avid user can get everything they need dried in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

Specifications

Dimensions: 15.5 x 15.5 x 9.5 in

Weight: 8.9lbs

​Warranty: 1 Year

Cons

Although one of the pros of the Nesco dehydrator is its large capacity, it only comes with 4 trays. Additional trays must be purchased separately and the unit can expand up to 20 trays. The dehydrator automatically adjusts to the addition of multiple trays without a loss of drying efficiency.

Consumer Ratings

Most consumers have been happy with their Nesco FD-1040, including those who have little to no experience dehydrating food. This Nesco model is rated very highly. Those who aren’t satisfied typically complain about damage to the package or other matters not related to the quality of the product. Read customer reviews.

There are many models of dehydrators on the market that are appropriate for home use that meet a variety of needs and budgets. For some users, dehydration is a complementary method to canning and freezing that gives you the option to preserve more types of foods. Many people are devoted to dehydration as a primary method of food preservation that retains nutrition and makes traveling with all types of food possible, without worry of spoilage.

The STX International Dehydra is a commercial grade dehydrator that exceeds the capabilities of most home machines. The unit has more power, more convenient features, and a much greater capacity than the majority of dehydrators found on the market today. Consumers who are looking for a top-of-the-line dehydrator for large capacity use will appreciate the convenient features and the durability of this machine.

Features of the STX International Dehydra

Drying Space

The STX International Dehydra has 10 stainless steel trays for a combined 16 square feet of drying space. Most other dehydrators are either made of plastic or are stainless steel with trays made of plastic or have a plastic lining. The trays in the STX International dehydrator are 100% stainless steel and are not chrome plated.

Power

The Dehydra has 1200 watts of power, combined with temperature settings of 95° to 165° for the most effective heating of all types of foods. The high temperature capability makes this dehydrator a must-have for jerky makers.

Air Flow

Less expensive models of dehydrators use a vertical airflow system that makes drying foods more difficult. The STX Dehydra implements a horizontal air flow system with a 7-inch fan mounted at the rear of the unit. The air flows evenly across all of the trays so that all foods are equally and consistently dried. When I make jerky, I like the way the dehydrator dries all of the meat evenly and gives the jerky the right texture regardless of how full the unit is. In spite of the size of the fan and the power behind it, the unit is still exceptionally quiet to operate.

Control Panel

The STX International Dehydra is 100% digitally controlled and has a 15-hour shutoff timer for exceptionally ease of use.

Removable Heating/Fan Section

Clean-up is an issue with many dehydrators that users won’t encounter with the STX-Dehydra. The rear heating/fan section can be quickly removed from the rest of the unit for easy access. The stainless steel drying racks can also be removed with the slide off rack guides, making it possible to power wash the entire front section. The included drip tray also helps to keep the machine clean during use.

Included Accessories

The STX dehydrator comes with a drip tray and 2 silicone mats for making fruit leathers or roll-ups.

STX International Dehydra 1200W Dehydrator

Specifications

Pros

The power and horizontal air flow system give the STX Dehydra the drying power that makes preparing jerky completely safe. The extra-large capacity is an obvious advantage, especially for consumers who want to dehydrate foods on a large scale.

Easy cleanup allows users to move effortlessly from batch to batch while the square shape makes the unit easier to fit onto kitchen counters or tables and keep it out of the way when not in use.

Cons

The only con for this dehydrator is the price. The advantages of having a commercial quality dehydrator that performs efficiently and offers ease of use makes it a real value for consumers who want to achieve a professional level of food preservation, both in quality and volume.

Consumer Ratings

More than 30,000 of these units have been sold across the nation during the past seven years with a collective 99+% Customer Satisfaction Rating. Buyers find the STX International to be a sturdy, durable dehydrator that continues to perform up to the standards of a commercial or industrial level machine with repeated use. Buyers also appreciate the level of customer service provided by the company that makes the dehydrator. Read customer reviews.

All STX Products come with an amazing 3-year warranty, including parts and labor. This type of backing reflects the confidence the company has in their product.

There are many similarities between various food dehydrator models, along with some subtle differences that make one a better choice over another. Choosing a model that you will be happy with comes down to what the dehydrator will be used for and to what capacity.

Some people purchase a food dehydrator for the sole purpose of drying delicate items like herbs. Others, like me, depend on their machine to dry large quantities of food including fruits and meat to make jerky. Buyers of the Aroma dehydrator find that it is equally effective at drying all types of food, herbs and spices, and a lot more.

Features of the Aroma Professional Dehydrator

Capacity

The Aroma Professional 6 Tray Food Dehydrator has lots of room for drying so the unit can be used to effectively dry different foods at one time. The total capacity is about 5.5 square feet. The trays adjust in small increments to allow more room on one tray to dry larger items while devoting less to those that are smaller.

Drip Tray

One complaint with other dehydrators is that the bottom tray must be left empty to catch the residue that is removed from the foods. Otherwise, it drips onto the food being dried in the lower tray. The Aroma comes with a drip tray so all six trays can be for full-capacity dehydrating without getting a lower quality of dehydration on the bottom tray.

Drying Trays

The six drying trays are also removable to create larger spaces for larger foods. Each tray can support up to one-pound of food for a total capacity of six pounds per load.

Adjustable Thermostat

The correct heat setting is one of the most important factors when drying food. The same temperature used to dry delicate herbs won’t be effective at drying meat used for jerky. The adjustable thermostat on the Aurora ranges in temperature settings from 95° to 155°, allowing all types of foods to be dehydrated at the perfect temperature for optimum results.

Automatic Fan

The automatic fan provides a dual-purpose. The even distribution of air flow allows for even drying while also preventing overheating that depletes the food of vital nutrients. Different types of food have a unique optimal temperature that will ensure they are thoroughly dried without over drying.

Accessories

The Aroma dehydrator comes with six removable trays, a drip tray, and one plastic mesh sheet for drying smaller items like herbs. Additional sheets can be purchased separately.

Specifications

Dimensions: 17.7 x 13.6 x 12.4Model: AFD-815BWarranty: 1 Year limited

Pros

The Aroma dehydrator is versatile and efficient enough to dehydrate all types of foods effectively. This unit is a mid-price model that makes it a good choice for anyone who wants to purchase a professional grade dehydrator without paying a high-end price.

Another advantage the Aroma offers over other machines is the quiet fan. Many popular brands are loud to operate whereas this model is really quiet.

Anyone who is considering investing in a low-cost machine will get a better value by purchasing the Aroma Professional than other models that cost about the same but have less versatility.

Cons

There are no real significant cons to the Aroma Professional. While drying occurs faster than with some dehydrators, it also dries slower than others. The unit is not expandable and so additional trays cannot be added for more drying space. Consumers looking for the largest capacity dehydrator should consider one that is expandable.

Consumer Ratings

The majority of buyers find that the Aroma delivers on its promises and is efficient at drying a wide range of foods and other items. Drying across all trays is even and the machine can be used for everything from drying herbs to making homemade dog treats. You can read reviews here.

The biggest complaint by consumers is the strong plastic smell when they first open the box. To prevent the smell of the plastic from transferring to foods, simply run the machine without food until the aroma is gone. This usually takes only about an hour until the scent disappears. Follow the instructions on how to wash trays and clean the rest of the unit.

Price

The Aroma Professional is a mid-priced dehydrator. I usually find that you get the best price and service at Amazon. Check here to find the latest price.

The Hamilton Beach 32100A dehydrator is a mid-sized appliance for people who want to make healthier snacks. The unit is versatile enough to use for drying herbs out of the garden, making fruit rolls without preservatives or additives (nitrite and sulfite), creating dried fruit without the added sugar of commercial dried fruit, and making more flavorful homemade jerky. The simple design of the dehydrator makes it easy to preserve the nutrients of a wide variety of garden fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also purchase frozen or canned fruits and vegetables to dry in the same way.

Buyers like the simple design of the Hamilton Beach 32100A and the square shape that makes it more convenient to place on a kitchen shelf. The square design of the trays also makes it easy to put them in the dishwasher for fast and easy cleanup.

Features of the Hamilton Beach Dehydrator

Timer

Waiting on the dehydrator to finish drying foods is my least favorite thing about the process. It never fails that when I think I have the day to devote to dehydrating, something comes up and I end up having to put off the dehydration until later, even if I have the food ready to go.

With the 48 hour timer and auto shutoff features of the Hamilton Beach unit, I don’t have to worry about having to leave unexpectedly. I just set the timer to the appropriate amount of time for the food I am drying and let the unit take care of the rest.

Continuous Airflow

Many buyers of the Hamilton Beach like the way the dehydrator dries foods evenly without having to rotate the trays. Without this feature, the automatic timer would be worthless. Even if you have to leave the dehydrator to perform its magic alone, all of the food in every corner will be evenly dried.

Adjustable Thermometer

The versatility of the dehydrator depends on the ability to adapt to the requirements of a variety of foods. The adjustable thermometer lets you set the unit at the right temperature between 100° and 160° F for whatever you are drying to ensure the food is completely dehydrated when you remove it.

Specialty Sheets

The Hamilton Beach dehydrator comes with two specialty sheets for even greater versatility. A mesh sheet can be placed on a tray to prevent smaller pieces from falling through. When dehydrating herbs from the garden or small plants to use for potpourri, this sheet will keep them in place.

The solid sheet can be used to make delicious, natural fruit rolls without additives and preservatives. Puree your favorite fruits and spread on the solid sheet. After dehydrating, the fruit rolls peel off.

Clear Lid

Most dehydrators have a solid lid that won’t let you see the food unless you open the unit up. The clear lid on the Hamilton Beach dehydrator lets you see how the dehydration process is progressing without interrupting.

Included Accessories

The 32100A comes with:

5 trays

1 fine mesh tray

1 solid tray

Pros

The simple use of the Hamilton Beach dehydrator makes the unit a good choice for anyone regardless of a lack of experience at drying food. The unit is highly versatile and can be used to dehydrate fresh, canned, or frozen foods for a wider variety of snacks. It is also efficient at making homemade jerky and extends the use of herbs and spices grown in your home garden.

Cons

The simplicity and versatility of the Hamilton Beach 32100A make it a perfect choice for many buyers, but it is not the best choice for everyone. The 5 trays that come with the unit are the maximum capacity and additional trays cannot be added.

For users who want larger capacity and more powerful drying for a faster process, there are other choices that are more appropriate. For users who are looking for a convenient and simple way to make a variety of healthy snacks, this dehydrator is sufficient.

Consumer Ratings

Buyers find the Hamilton Beach dehydrator to be a better performing unit than those of comparable price from other brands. This unit also offers easier cleanup and is easier to use than many other models. You can read consumer reviews here.

The first thing that stands out about the L’Equipe dehydrator is the unit’s unique design. The unit is made in a long, rectangular shape that is a better fit for smaller kitchens. There are also a number of functional features that set this unit apart from the rest. The technology implemented into the unit produces food that is dried consistently on each tray and even in the corners. While the dehydrator has a fair share of supporters, there are also those users who are less impressed by its performance.

Most consumers who purchase the L’Equipe 528 6-Tray food dehydrator feel that the machine is a step-up from other popular brands of dehydrators they have used in the past.

Features of the L'Equipe 528 Dehydrator

Heat Sensor

The L’Equipe includes a micro-processor controlled heat sensor that creates consistent heating and drying throughout the entire unit. I like the fact that this model lets you get the same results without having to move the trays of food midway through the drying process. Or, finding out later that the dehydrator didn’t do as thorough a job on all the food as you first thought.

Variable Temperature Control

This feature adds to the versatility of the dehydrator by letting you choose the temperature setting that is right for the food or other item being dehydrated. The temperature range is from 95°F to 158°F to cover a wide range of meats, fruits and vegetables and craft products. This feature produces consistently precise results time after time.

Trays

The 6-trays combine for 12 square feet of dehydrating space. The trays are made of clear plastic that resists melting like those on lower quality dehydrators sometimes do. There are also mesh sheets included for no-stick drying.

Instruction Manual

The instruction manual that comes with the L’Equipe dehydrator includes everything you need to know about preserving food including drying times. The booklet also includes recipes that will help you add spice and flavor to the foods you preserve.

Power

The L’Equipe produces 550 Watts of power, more than most of the other dehydrators including those with a larger capacity. This feature ensures that food is properly dehydrated to preserve nutrition and prevent the possibility of bacteria growth that occurs when the unit fails to remove all of the moisture.

Included Accessories

The L’Equipe 528 includes:

6 stacking trays for a combined 12 square feet of dehydrating space

Complete instructional booklet with drying times and recipes,

Rubber mesh inserts for each tray

2 small fruit roll sheets

Pros

The unique, elongated design of the L’Equipe dehydrator makes it an ideal fit for almost any kitchen counter or shelf. Unlike traditional round units, or those that are big and bulky, this dehydrator doesn’t take up more space than you have available.

The special micro-processor heat sensor and powerful 550 watts of power make this unit powerful and effective enough to dry all types of food precisely so they retain flavor and nutrients.

Cons

Although the dehydrator is highly functional, many users find it a little more difficult to clean up. The trays are not dishwasher safe and must be cleaned by hand. In many cases, the mesh inserts or non-stick sheets can be used to prevent food from adhering to the trays.

For users who are looking for a dehydrator that has a large capacity, there are other dehydrators that might be a better choice. While the capacity of the L’Equipe is large enough for most users, those who prefer to get more food dried in a single process may want to go to a larger capacity dehydrator.

Consumer Ratings

In spite of the mid-range price of the L’Equipe, most buyers feel that the dehydrator offers better performance and durability than some of the more expensive brands and models they have tried. Consumers who bought this dehydrator with the expectations of getting a quality hydrator that would preserve average size batches of food have not been disappointed. The 10 year warranty also gives consumers the assurance that this is a product the manufacturer feels confident will perform to expectation. Read customer reviews.

Price

Recommendation

If you are an avid dehydrator and have limited space this will be a great option for you. I found this dehydrator to be the perfect compromise between the small entry level models and the higher priced larger models. Definitely a strong buy.

The large capacity of this model Excalibur makes it the best choice for anyone who uses food dehydration as a means to preserve food regularly. Consumers who are devoted to a healthier lifestyle appreciate the ease of dehydrating large volumes of food at one time.

The Excalibur 3926TB food dehydrator makes this model a good choice for hunting enthusiasts, craftspeople, avid gardeners and large families alike. The variety of easy-to-use features also makes the Excalibur easy for beginners to use.

Features of the Excalibur Food Dehydrator

Drying Space

The Excalibur 3926 has nine trays, resulting in a generous 15 square feet of space. Each tray also has a flexible polyscreen tray insert to prevent sticky, moist foods from sticking to the trays as they dry. Very few other dehydrators on the market have the same large capacity that this one does. You can do in a single day what would normally take at least two days with other dehydrators.

Adjustable Timer

I really like the 26-hour timer when I am dehydrating large amounts of jerky. It takes longer to do meat than some other types of foods, making it easy to forget when I have the dehydrator going. I can just set the timer for the minimum amount of time it will take for the jerky to dehydrate and go on with what else I have to do. Once the timer goes off, I check to see if the food is ready and add more time if needed.

Airflow System

The Excalibur is made using the Parallex Horizontal Airflow to deliver an even distribution of air without the need to rotate the trays. Cool air is pulled in through the back of the dehydrator before being heated and distributed across each tray. This patented system is unique to Excalibur dehydrators and the feature speeds up the drying process. Faster dehydrating also means better preservation of nutrients which is the point of dehydrating snacks in the first place.

Adjustable Thermostat

This feature is a must-have for hunting enthusiasts like myself. When dehydrating jerky, I want to feel secure that the meat is thoroughly dried and safe. The adjustable thermostat on the Excalibur adjusts from 105°F to 165°F so you can custom set the temperature for whatever you are placing inside.

Removable Trays

The Excalibur dehydrator has removable trays that make the unit even more versatile. This gives you more vertical space to raise bread or put larger sized craft projects like cake decorations or photos inside.

Additional Features

The 7” fan, thermostat, and heating element are all in the back of the dehydrator where air is drawn in and heated. There is also a built-in on/off switch and 600 watts of power.

Pros

Since this model is the only dehydrator out there with this much drying spacing, the large capacity is naturally one of its pros. Excalibur is well-known for making high quality dehydrators and for the patented airflow system that does a professional quality job of drying foods. The 10 year warranty is also a plus.

Cons

The same features that are a plus for some buyers are problems for others. The unit is larger than the average dehydrator in order to accommodate the large amount of tray space. Some buyers are disappointed to find that it doesn’t fit easily into small counter spaces. Some buyers also find that the fan is too noisy, but this seems to depend on the situation and the size of the kitchen. In my experience, I have no problems carrying on a normal conversation with the unit running.

Consumer Ratings

The majority of consumers are exceptionally happy with the results the Excalibur 3926TB provides. There are some complaints about the bulkiness of the unit and fan sound but the unit gets high marks overall for performance. This unit definitely comes in handy when you want to dry large batches. You can read customer reviews here.

Price

Most of the online places that you will find the Excalibur food dehydrator 3926TB have it priced above $300, well above the price you might pay for the standard round dehydrator found at your local sporting goods store. A similar model is also available without the timer for about $50 less. The best deals can usually be found at Amazon but you can look here to ﻿find the current price.